Improving student literacy

Concerns about the lagging reading scores of many Wisconsin students are prompting a call to action. The governor’s “Read to Lead Task Force” released a list of recommendations Wednesday that call for a number of changes in the classroom, all aimed at making sure Wisconsin students are able to read at their grade level by the end of third grade.

One of the proposals involves using literacy screenings with kindergarteners to identify students who are struggling early on. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers says that intervention will make sure those students get the help they need to avoid falling behind.

The task force, which was created by the governor last spring, also calls for the state to evaluate reading instructors and to make additional training available to help educators improve their skills. Evers says teachers are “the most important variable in any student’s success,” so it’s important to focus on their skill levels and getting them the right data to help them make wise decisions about educating kids.

Evers says he believes the recommendations target the right areas to help make sure Wisconsin students are learning a fundamental skill early on. Still, he admits it will be a difficult task because there are so many influences outside the classroom teachers cannot control.